Red Bull have just announced that they will end their contract with Renault and move over to Honda for the 2019 and 2020 F1 seasons. Their partnership with Renault spanned 12 years but this season’s F1 has been disappointing for Red Bull this season, having fallen well behind Mercedes and Ferrari.
Red Bull makes bold decision to halt slide
So the bold move is Red Bull’s attempt to overhaul the situation and get back to the top of the constructors’ standings. Christian Horner, the Red Bull team principal commented on the decision: “This multi-year agreement with Honda signals the start of an exciting new phase in Red Bull Racing’s efforts to compete not just for grand prix wins but for what is always our goal – championship titles.”
Red Bull having poor season
The Red Bull team clearly means business and Verstappen has had a very frustrating season as he has failed to win any races, making a podium finish on just two occasions. Team-mate Ricciardo has managed two wins but their combined tally has left Red Bull far behind rivals Mercedes and Ferrari. The switch to a Honda engine may well be the answer that they are looking for, with Honda’s progress with Toro Rosso being the main consideration in the switch.
This leaves Renault to concentrate on the Renault Sport Formula One Team and their relationship with McLaren Racing. The Red Bull and Renault combination brought 57 wins and four Drivers’ and Constructors’ World Championships up to this stage in their relationship. Unfortunately, the great run they had together from 2010-2013 is a distant memory, as they fall further and further behind in the F1 standings.
